Coupler for cable trough

ABSTRACT

Couplers for a cable trough system including a spacing defined by first and second guiding surfaces, the spacing being sized to receive the terminal end of a trough member into the spacing. One or more springs are carried on the couplers and may be at least partially disposed within the spacing between the first and the second guiding surfaces. The springs urge the terminal end of the trough member against the coupler upon insertion of the terminal end into the spacing. One or more locking elements are coupled adjacent to the springs to move between a locking position and a released position. The locking elements may slide longitudinally or move perpendicularly to the couplers. A first trough member may be released from the couplers independent from a second trough member coupled to the couplers. Methods for use of the couplers are also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for the management and routingof telecommunication cables, and, more particularly, to a coupler forjoining two or more trough members.

BACKGROUND

In the telecommunications industry, the use of optical fibers for signaltransmissions is accelerating. With the increased utilization of opticalfiber systems, optical fiber cable management requires industryattention.

One area of optical fiber management that is necessary is the routing ofoptical fibers from one piece of equipment to another. For example, in atelecommunications facility, optical fiber cables may be routed betweenfiber distribution equipment and optical line terminating equipment. Inbuildings and other structures that carry such equipment, the cablerouting can take place in concealed ceiling areas or in any other mannerto route cables from one location to another.

When routing optical fibers and other cables such as copper wires, it isdesirable that a routing system will be readily modifiable and adaptableto changes in equipment needs. Accordingly, such routing systems includea plurality of components, such as trough members and couplers, fordefining the cable routing paths. The trough members are joined togetherby couplings. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,067,678, 5,316,243, and 5,752,781 allteach cable routing systems that include a plurality of trough membersand couplers.

Various concerns arise in the use of couplers for coupling troughmembers. One concern is that a plurality of hardware is used for joiningthe trough members. This hardware can be cumbersome. Further, there issometimes a need to rearrange or change the trough members and couplers.It is desirable to provide couplers that can be disconnected.

SUMMARY

A coupler for a cable trough system according to one aspect of theinvention may include a body having a body terminal end defining anoverlap region, the overlap region being sized to slideably receive aterminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of thetrough member, a spring positioned to selectively engage the terminalend of the trough member, and a slide carried on the body for moving thespring between a locking position and a release position, the slidemoveable in the longitudinal direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, a coupler for a cabletrough system including a trough member having a terminal end mayinclude a body having an open end and including first and second guidingsurfaces defining a spacing, the spacing being sized to receive theterminal end, with the first guiding surface slideably engageable withan internal wall surface of the terminal end and with the second guidingsurface slideably engageable with an external wall surface of theterminal end, a spring carried on the body and directed to push theterminal end against the body upon insertion of the terminal end intothe spacing; and a locking element carried on the body, wherein thelocking element is slidingly coupled to the body to slide between afirst sliding position wherein the spring engages the terminal endwithin the spacing and a second sliding position wherein the spring isreleased to allow the terminal end to be removed from the spacingdefined by the body, the locking element being slideable in a directionparallel to the first and second guiding surfaces.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a coupler for acable trough system including trough members having a terminal end withfirst and second side walls joined at lower edges by a bottom wall andwhere the side walls and the bottom wall have a wall thicknessseparating internal and external wall surfaces may include a bodyincluding first and second guiding surfaces defining a spacing, thespacing being sized to receive the wall thickness inserted into thespacing in a longitudinal direction and having an unobstructed open endfor admitting the terminal end into the spacing with the first guidingsurface slideably engageable with the internal wall surface of theterminal end and with the second guiding surface slideably engageablewith the external wall surface of the terminal end, the first guidingsurface having a generally U-shaped configuration including first andsecond side wall portions joined at lower edges by a bottom wallportion, and the second guiding surface at least partially surroundingthe first and second side wall portions and the bottom wall portion ofthe first guiding surface, a plurality of springs positioned to urge theterminal end against the body upon insertion of the terminal end intothe spacing, and a plurality of moveable locking elements carried on thebody, wherein each locking element of the plurality of locking elementsis slidingly coupled to the body to slide in the longitudinal directionbetween a first sliding position wherein a respective spring of theplurality of springs engages the terminal end within the spacing and asecond sliding position wherein the respective spring is released toallow the terminal end to be removed from the spacing of the coupler.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method forusing a coupler and a first trough member may include the steps of:providing a terminal end of the first trough member coupled to thecoupler, wherein the terminal end was inserted in a longitudinaldirection into a spacing defined by the coupler; sliding a lockingelement on the coupler parallel to the longitudinal direction to releasea spring from a locking position; and removing the terminal end of thefirst trough member from the spacing so that the terminal end slidespast the spring.

Another aspect of the invention may include a coupler for a cable troughsystem including first and second trough members having terminal ends,the coupler including a body having open ends and including first andsecond guiding surfaces defining a first spacing in a first half of thebody and a second spacing in a second half of the body, the terminal endof the first trough member being inserted into the first spacing in alongitudinal direction and the terminal end of the second trough memberbeing inserted into the second spacing in the longitudinal direction,and a releasable spring mechanism disposed on the body adjacent thefirst guiding surface, wherein the releasable spring mechanism includesa first portion that engages the terminal end of the first trough memberand a second portion that engages the terminal end of the second troughmember, and wherein the first portion of the releasable spring mechanismis released independently of the second portion to release the terminalend of the first trough member while maintaining engagement of thesecond portion with the terminal end of the second trough member.

Another aspect of the invention may include a coupler for a cable troughsystem including a body having a body terminal end defining an overlapregion, the overlap region being sized to slideably receive a terminalend of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the troughmember between a first and a second guiding surface of the body, aspring positioned to selectively force the terminal end of the troughmember, the spring including a longitudinal portion coupled at an end toan arm portion, wherein the longitudinal portion extends from the end inthe longitudinal direction towards the body terminal end, and whereinthe arm portion extends at an angle in relation to the longitudinalportion towards the first guiding surface and away from the bodyterminal end, and a locking element carried on the body for positioningthe spring, the locking element being coupled to the spring and the bodyat a point between the arm portion of the spring and the body terminalend, and wherein the locking element is moveable perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction between a locking position and a releaseposition.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a coupler for acable trough system may include a body having a body terminal enddefining an overlap region, the overlap region being sized to slideablyreceive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal directionof the trough member between a first and a second guiding surface of thebody, a spring positioned to selectively force the terminal end of thetrough member, the spring including a longitudinal portion coupled at anend to an arm portion, wherein the longitudinal portion extends from theend in the longitudinal direction towards the body terminal end, andwherein the arm portion extends at an angle in relation to thelongitudinal portion towards the first guiding surface and away from thebody terminal end, and a locking element carried on the body forpositioning the spring, the locking element being coupled to the springand the body at a point between the arm portion of the spring and thebody terminal end, and wherein the locking element is moveableperpendicular to the longitudinal direction between a locking positionand a release position.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a coupler for acable trough system including first and second trough members havingterminal ends may include a body having open ends and including firstand second guiding surfaces defining a first spacing in a first half ofthe body and a second spacing in a second half of the body, the terminalend of the first trough member being inserted into the first spacing ina longitudinal direction and the terminal end of the second troughmember being inserted into the second spacing in the longitudinaldirection, a first spring portion coupled to the body, a second springportion coupled to the body, and means for selectively releasing thefirst or second spring portion from engagement with the first or secondtrough member while maintaining engagement of the other with the firstor second trough member.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a coupler for acable trough system including first and second trough members havingterminal ends may include a body having open ends and including firstand second guiding surfaces defining a first spacing in a first half ofthe body and a second spacing in a second half of the body, the terminalend of the first trough member being inserted into the first spacing ina longitudinal direction and the terminal end of the second troughmember being inserted into the second spacing in the longitudinaldirection, a first spring portion coupled to the body, a second springportion coupled to the body, a first locking element coupled adjacent tothe first spring portion, and a second locking element coupled adjacentto the second spring portion, wherein the first locking element pushesthe first spring portion against the first trough member and the secondlocking element pushes the second spring portion against the secondtrough member, and wherein the first spring portion and associated firstlocking element are released to release the first trough member whilemaintaining engagement of the second spring portion and the associatedsecond locking element with the second trough member.

Another aspect according to the invention may include a method for useof a coupler and a trough system including first and second troughmembers, the method including the steps of: providing a terminal end ofthe first trough member coupled to the coupler and a terminal end of thesecond trough member coupled to the coupler, wherein the terminal endswere inserted in a longitudinal direction into first and second spacingsdefined by the coupler, wherein the first trough member is held to thecoupler with a first spring portion, and wherein the second troughmember is held to the coupler with a second spring portion; releasingthe first spring portion to release the terminal end of the first troughmember without releasing the terminal end of the second trough member;and removing the terminal end of the first trough member from the firstspacing.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for use of a coupler and atrough system including first and second trough members may includingthe steps of: providing a terminal end of the first trough membercoupled to the coupler and a terminal end of the second trough membercoupled to the coupler, wherein the terminal ends were inserted in alongitudinal direction into first and second spacings defined by thecoupler; releasing a plurality of first locking elements on the couplerin a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to release aplurality of first springs from a locking position to release theterminal end of the first trough member without releasing the terminalend of the second trough member; and removing the terminal end of thefirst trough member from the first spacing so that the terminal end ofthe first trough member slides past the first plurality of springs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupler in accordancewith the present invention.

FIGS. 2–5 are front, side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of thecoupler shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 1 with one of thelocking elements and springs in exploded view in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view along line B—B of FIG. 2 showingthe locking element and the spring in the first sliding position.

FIG. 8 is a portion of the coupler of FIG. 1 illustrating the outer sidewall portion with the locking element removed in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the locking element of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line C—C of the locking elementshown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line A—A of the locking elementof FIG. 2, with the locking element positioned in the second slidingposition.

FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view along line A—A of the lockingelement of FIG. 2, with the locking element positioned in the firstsliding position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIGS. 1–12 and twotrough members coupled to the coupler in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIGS. 14–17 are front, side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of thecoupler and trough members of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section top view along line D—D of FIG. 15 showing aportion of the coupler and the trough members with the locking elementand spring in the second sliding position.

FIGS. 19–21 are perspective, front, and top views, respectively, of afirst alternative embodiment of a spring in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIGS. 22–24 are perspective, front, and top views, respectively, of asecond alternative embodiment of a spring in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a coupler inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 26–29 are front, side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of thecoupler shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 25 with one of thelocking elements and springs in exploded view in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIGS. 31 and 32 are perspective and side views, respectively, of thespring shown in FIG. 30.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective and side views, respectively, of thelocking element shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E—E of the lockingelement shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a portion of the coupler of FIG. 25 illustrating the outerside wall portion with the locking element removed in accordance withthe present invention.

FIGS. 37 and 38 are cross-sectional views taken along line F—F of FIG.26 showing a portion of the outer side wall portion and the lockingelement.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G—G of FIG. 26 withtrough members installed showing a portion of the outer side wallportion, the locking elements, and the springs.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a coupler inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 41–44 are front, side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of thecoupler shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 40 with one of thelocking elements and springs in exploded view in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H—H of FIG. 41showing a portion of the coupler with the third locking element andassociated springs.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIGS. 40–46 and twotrough members coupled to the coupler in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIGS. 48–50 are top, bottom, and front views, respectively, of thecoupler and trough members of FIG. 47.

FIG. 51 is a cross-section view taken along line I—I of FIG. 50 showinga portion of the coupler and the trough members with the third lockingelement and associated springs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1–5, a coupler 100 is provided in accordance withan example embodiment of the present invention. The coupler 100 includesa first guiding surface 101 and a second guiding surface 102 at leastpartially surrounding the first guiding surface 101, as well as a firstcoupler end 110 and a second coupler end 111. A spacing 103 is definedbetween the first guiding surface 101 and the second guiding surface102. The spacing 103 is sized to receive a trough member (see troughmembers 201 and 202 of FIGS. 13–18) or other system component insertedinto the spacing 103 in a longitudinal direction 190.

A releasable spring mechanism 139 releasably mounts the coupler 100 to atrough member at each end 110 and 111. Preferably, the spring mechanism139 can be activated or locked during insertion of a trough member endinto one of the coupler ends 110 and 111. At the desired time, thespring mechanism 139 is released to allow decoupling of the coupler 100and the trough member.

The first guiding surface 101 of the coupler 100 is generally U-shaped,including a first side wall portion 104 and a second side wall portion105, as well as a bottom wall portion 106 joining the first and secondside wall portions 104 and 105. The second guiding surface 102 is alsoU-shaped, includes a midpoint or midsection 175 dividing the coupler 100into first and second halves 176 and 177, and generally surrounds atleast a portion of the first guiding surface 101.

First and second springs 120 and 121 of the releasable spring mechanism139 are generally disposed adjacent to the first and second side wallportions 104 and 105 in the spacing 103. It is not necessary that theentirety of the first and second springs 120 and 121 be contained withinthe spacing 103. In fact, the springs 120 and 121 may, but need not,completely clear the spacing 103 when in an unlocked position. When in alocked position, a portion of the springs 120 and 121 may partiallyenter the spacing 103 to push against a trough member inserted into thespacing 103. In addition, as is shown in this embodiment, a third spring122 is disposed adjacent to the bottom wall portion 106 in the spacing103.

First, second, and third locking elements 107, 108, and 109 of thereleasable spring mechanism 139 are slidingly coupled to an exterior ofthe coupler 100. The first, second, and third locking elements 107, 108,and 109 are positioned adjacent to the first, second, and third springs120, 121, and 122, respectively. Although the first spring 120 and thefirst locking element 107 are described in detail below, the second andthird springs 121 and 122 and the second and third locking elements 108and 109 have an identical structure in the illustrated embodiment.

As shown with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first spring 120 comprisesa longitudinal portion 160 coupled to a first arm 161 at a first end andto a second arm 162 at a second end. The first and second arms 161 and162 engage, force, push, urge, or are biased against a trough memberinserted in the spacing 103 to couple the coupler 100 to the troughmember.

In the example embodiment, the first and second arms 161 and 162 extendfrom the longitudinal portion 160 at an angle. In one example, an angleless than 90 degrees is defined between the longitudinal portion 160 andeach of the arms 161 and 162. The arms 161 and 162 define projectionsthat project at an angle to the longitudinal direction. The arms 161 and162 project toward the interior of the spacing 103 away from the couplerends 110 and 111 to resist pull out of the trough member from thecoupler 100. Ends 191 and 192 engage trough members that are insertedinto the coupler 100 and increase the hold down force as the troughmembers are pulled in a direction away (e.g. opposite 190) from thecoupler 100. The ends 191 and 192 push down during insertion of thetrough member.

The first spring 120 can take a variety of forms besides that shown inthe example embodiment. Other spring configurations, and specificallysprings including different bends extending at different angles, arealso possible, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19–24, describedbelow. The springs of FIGS. 6, 7, and 19–24 exert a force on a troughmember or other system component inserted in the coupler 100 to retainthe component in the coupler 100.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the first spring 120 further defines anaperture 165 sized to engage a boss 163 coupled adjacent to the secondguiding surface 102. After the aperture 165 defined by the first spring120 is positioned around the boss 163 on the first guiding surface 101,the first locking element 107 is longitudinally slid over the firstspring 120 to retain the first spring 120 in place.

The first locking element 107 comprises first and second ends 166 and167. A handle portion 168 is disposed adjacent a middle of the lockingelement 107 between the ends 166 and 167. The first locking element 107is slidingly coupled to the second guiding surface 102 on railways 164to allow the first locking element 107 to slide longitudinally intofirst, second, and third sliding positions with respect to the firstspring 120 and the second guiding surface 102. The first locking element107 is retained in the first, second, and third sliding positions viadetents 113, 114, and 115 formed at intervals along the railways 164.

As shown in FIGS. 8–12, locking springs 112 disposed on upper and lowersurfaces of the locking element 107 are positioned to engage the detents113, 114, and 115. For example, when the locking element 107 is slid tothe first sliding position shown in FIG. 12, the locking spring 112engages detent 113 and stops the locking element 107 from sliding anyfarther along the railways 164, thereby preventing the locking element107 from accidentally disengaging from the railways 164. Similarly, inthe second sliding position, the locking spring 112 engages the detent114, as shown in FIG. 11. In the third sliding position, which is themirror image of the first sliding position shown in FIG. 12, the lockingspring 112 engages the detent 115.

The second guiding surface 102 further defines a first aperture 173 anda second aperture 174 adjacent to the first spring 120, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. The first locking element 107 is positioned toselectively cover and expose the first and second apertures 173 and 174depending on whether the locking element 107 is in the first, second, orthird sliding position. In the first sliding position, shown in FIG. 7,the locking element 107 is positioned to cover the second aperture 174and to expose the first aperture 173. In this manner, the first arm 161of the first spring 120 engages the first side wall portion 104 of thefirst guiding surface 101, while the second arm 162 is released andallowed to partially retract into the first aperture 173.

In the second sliding, or locked, position (shown in FIG. 13), thelocking element 107 is positioned to cover both the first and secondapertures 173 and 174, thereby urging both the first and second arms 161and 162 toward the first side wall portion 104 of the first guidingsurface 101. In this position both of the angled arms 161 and 162project to provide the resistive force against pull out.

In the third sliding position (the mirror image of that shown in FIG.7), the second arm 162 of the first spring 120 engages the first guidingsurface 101 of the coupler 100, while the first arm 161 is released andallowed to partially retract into the second aperture 174. The secondand third locking elements 108 and 109 and the second and third springs121 and 122 function in a similar manner to that of the first lockingelement 107 and the first spring 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 13–18, an embodiment of a trough system 180 isshown including the coupler 100 as well as first and second troughmembers 201 and 202 in accordance with the present invention. The firstand second trough members 201 and 202 are generally U-shaped andcomprise, respectively, terminal ends 203 and 204, first side walls 205and 208, second side walls 206 and 209, bottom walls 207 and 210,internal surfaces 221 and 222, and external surfaces 223 and 224. Thetrough members 201 and 202 can also take the form of other systemcomponents, such as T-fittings, downspouts, or elbows, as desired.

As illustrated, the terminal ends 203 and 204 of the trough members 201and 202 may be slidingly engaged in the spacing 103 between the firstand second guiding surfaces 101 and 102 of the coupler 100. In otherwords, the thickness of the walls of each of the trough members 201 and202, or the distance between the inner surfaces 221 and 222 and theouter surfaces 223 and 224, are sized to fit within the spacing 103 ofthe coupler 100. The coupler 100 overlaps the terminal ends of each ofthe trough members to form the coupling.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, with the first trough member 201 placedwithin the spacing 103 of the coupler 100, the first spring 120 ispushed by the first locking element 107. The first arm 161 of the firstspring 120 pushes against the external wall surface 223 of the terminalend 203 of the first trough member 201, urging the internal surface 221against the first guiding surface 101 of the coupler 100. Likewise, withthe second trough member 202 placed within the spacing 103 on the secondcoupler end 111 of the coupler 100, the second arm 162 of the firstspring 120 pushes against the external wall surface 224 of the terminalend 204 of the second trough member 202, urging the internal surface 222against the first guiding surface 101 of the coupler 100. In thismanner, the terminal ends 203 and 204 of the trough members 201 and 202may be retained within the first and second coupler ends 110 and 111 ofthe coupler 100. The first and second arms 161 and 162 resist pull outof the trough members 201 and 202. The ends 191 and 192 grip the troughmembers and are forced into the trough members 201 and 202, due to theirangled shape, to resist pull out.

An example method for coupling one or more trough members to the coupler100 in accordance with the present invention is as follows. The lockingelements 107, 108, and 109 may be slid to the second sliding position sothat the locking elements 107, 109, and 109 are all in engagement withthe springs 120, 121, and 122. Ends 191 and 192 do not interfere withinsertion of the trough members 201 and 202 due to their angled shape.The angled shape is angled toward the direction of insertion of theterminal end of the trough member.

With the locking elements 107, 108, and 109 in the second sliding, orlocked, position, the terminal end 203 of the first trough member 201 isthen inserted into the spacing 103 between the first and second guidingsurfaces 101 and 102. The terminal end 203 is inserted until theterminal end 203 passes the springs 120, 121, and 122 and abuts a troughstop 230 disposed within the spacing 103. In this position, the firstarms 161 of the springs 120, 121, and 122 engage the external wallsurface 223 of the first trough member 201, thereby pushing the internalwall surface 222 against the first guiding surface 101 to lock the firsttrough member 201 into the coupler 100. Pull out is resisted by theangled shape of the arms 161 and 162 and the ends 191 and 192 digginginto the trough members 201 and 202. The second trough member 202 may becoupled to the second coupler end 111 of the coupler 100 in a similarmanner.

An example method of removing the first trough member 201 in accordancewith the present invention includes sliding the locking elements 107,108, and 109 to the first sliding position to release the first arms 161of the springs 120, 121, and 122 and then removing the terminal end 203of the first trough member 201 from within the spacing 103 of thecoupler 100. The second trough member 202 may be removed in a similarfashion.

A first alternative embodiment of a spring 300 in accordance with theinvention is shown in FIGS. 19–21. The spring 300 may be positioned andfunctions similarly to the springs 120, 121, and 122 described above.The spring 300 comprises a longitudinal portion 303 defining an aperture365 sized to engage a boss such as 163 provided above. The spring 300further includes a first crescent portion 301 and a second crescentportion 302 coupled to either end of the longitudinal portion 303. Atthe apex of each of the first and second crescent portions 301 and 302are projections 310 and 311, positioned to extend generally at an anglein the direction of the longitudinal portion 303. The first and secondcrescent portions 301 and 302 push a trough member against a wall of acoupler, and the projections 310 and 311 grab the trough member should aforce be exerted on the trough member in a direction to remove it. Ends315 of the spring 300 are bent at an angle with respect to thelongitudinal portion 303.

A second alternative embodiment of a spring 400 in accordance with theinvention is shown in FIGS. 22–24. The spring 400 may be positioned andfunctions similarly to the springs 120, 121, and 122 described above.The spring 400 comprises longitudinal portion 403 defining an aperture465 sized to engage a boss such as 163 provided above. The spring 400further includes a first angled portion 415 comprising legs 401 and 411and a second angled portion 416 comprising legs 402 and 412. At the apexof each of the first and second angled portions 415 and 416 areprojections 410 and 411, positioned to extend generally at an angle inthe direction of the longitudinal portion 403. The first and secondangled portions 415 and 416 push a trough member against a wall of acoupler, and the projections 410 and 411 grab the trough member should aforce be exerted on the trough member in a direction to remove it. Ends420 of the spring 400 are bent at an angle with respect to thelongitudinal portion 403.

Similarly to the springs 120, 121, and 122 described above, the springs300 and 400 may be utilized in conjunction with locking elements such as107, 108, and 109 to selectively push trough members against a wall of acoupler and to further release trough members to allow for the troughmembers to be removed from the coupler. It should be understood thatadditional springs of differing shapes could also be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

In a second example embodiment according to the invention, a coupler 500is shown in FIGS. 25–30. In this embodiment, features identical to thosefound in the coupler 100 are given identical reference numerals. Insteadof a single locking element disposed on each side and bottom of thecoupler as shown in coupler 100, the coupler 500 includes first lockingelements 550 and 551 with first springs 520 and 521 disposed adjacentthe first side wall portion 104, second locking elements 552 and 553with second springs 522 and 523 disposed adjacent the second side wallportion 105, and third locking elements 554 and 555 with third springs524 and 525 disposed adjacent the bottom wall portion 106. Each of thefirst locking elements 550 and 551 are independently moveable, as arethe second locking elements 552 and 553 and the third locking elements554 and 555.

The first, second, and third locking elements are slidingly coupled toan exterior of the coupler 100. Although the first locking elements 550and 551 with springs 520 and 521 are described in detail below, itshould be understood that the second locking elements 552 and 553 withsprings 522 and 523 and the third locking elements 554 and 555 withsprings 524 and 525 have identical structures.

As shown with reference to FIGS. 30–32, the first spring 521 comprises alongitudinal portion 560 coupled to a first arm 561, which in turn iscoupled to a second arm 562. In the example embodiment, the first andsecond arms 561 and 562 extend from the longitudinal portion 560 at anangle. In the example illustrated, the first arm 561 projects at anglewith respect to the longitudinal portion 560 away from the first sidewall portion 104. The second arm 562 is also at an angle with respect tothe first arm 561 so that the second arm 562 projects towards the firstside wall portion 104 of the coupler 500. An end 591 engages the troughmembers and increases the hold down force as the trough members arepulled in a direction away (i.e. opposite 190) from the coupler 100. Theend 191 pushes down during insertion of the trough member. Other anglesand shapes are also possible to provide the resistance to pull out.

The first spring 520 further defines an aperture 565 sized to engage aboss 563 coupled adjacent to the second guiding surface 102. The lockingelement 551 holds the first spring 521 to the boss 563. After theaperture 565 defined by the first spring 521 is positioned around theboss 563 on the first guiding surface 101, the first locking element 521is longitudinally slid over the first spring 521 to retain the firstspring 521 in place.

The first locking element 551 comprises first and second ends 566 and567. A handle portion 568 is disposed adjacent a middle of the lockingelement 551. The first locking element 551 is slidingly coupled to thesecond guiding surface 102 on railways 564 to allow the first lockingelement 551 to slide longitudinally into first and second slidingpositions with respect to the first spring 521 and the second guidingsurface 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 33–35, the first locking element 551 includeslocking springs 512 disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the lockingelement 551. The locking springs 512 engage a detent 513 and a stop 514on the railways 564, as shown in FIGS. 36–38.

In FIG. 36, a portion of the second guiding surface 102 including therailways 564 is shown with the locking element 561 removed. The railways364 include the detents 513 and the stops 514. As shown in thecross-sections views in FIGS. 37 and 38 taken along line F—F of FIG. 26,the locking springs 512 of the locking element 551 travel along therailways 564 into the first sliding position (FIG. 37), in which thelocking springs engage the detents 513 and into the second slidingposition (FIG. 38), in which the locking springs engage the stops 514.The stops 514 also prevent the locking element 551 from being slid anyfurther in a direction 590, thereby maintaining the locking element 551on the railways 564.

A cross-section view in FIG. 39 taken along line G—G of FIG. 26illustrates the locking elements 520 and 521 with the trough members 201and 202 inserted into the coupler 500. The locking element 550 is in thefirst, or locked position so that it covers the aperture 174. The end591 of the second arm 561 of the spring 550 is pushed through theaperture 174 and towards the first side wall portion 104. In thisconfiguration, the end 591 of the spring 550 engages the trough member201 to resist pull out of the trough member 201.

The locking element 551 is shown in the second, or unlocked position.The spring 521 is allowed to retract partially through the aperture 173.The end 591 of the spring 521 releases away from the first side wallportion 104, clearing the spacing 103 so that the trough member 202 maybe removed.

A method of use for the coupler 500 is similar to that of the coupler100, except that opposing locking elements can be locked and unlockedindependent of each other. For example, if the trough member 201 is tobe released from the coupler 500, the locking elements 550, 552, and 554can be slid from the first, or locked position, to the second, orunlocked position, without moving the locking elements 551, 553, and555.

Referring now to FIGS. 40–44, another alternative embodiment of acoupler 1100 is provided in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. The coupler 1100 includes a first guiding surface1101 and a second guiding surface 1102 at least partially surroundingthe first guiding surface 1101, as well as a first coupler end 1110 anda second coupler end 1111. A spacing 1103 is defined between the firstguiding surface 1101 and the second guiding surface 1102. The spacing1103 is sized to receive a trough member (see trough members 1201 and1202 in FIGS. 47–51) or other system component inserted into the spacing1103 in longitudinal direction 1190.

A releasable spring mechanism 1109 releasably mounts the coupler 1100 toa trough member at each end 1110 and 1111. Preferably, the springmechanism 1109 can be activated or locked during insertion of a troughmember end into one of the coupler ends 1110 and 1111. At the desiredtime, the spring mechanism 1109 is released to allow decoupling of thecoupler 1100 and the trough member.

The first guiding surface 1101 of the coupler 1100 is generallyU-shaped, including a first side wall portion 1104 and a second sidewall portion 1105, as well as a bottom wall portion 1106 joining thefirst and second side wall portions 1104 and 1105. The second guidingsurface 1102 is also U-shaped, includes a midpoint or midsection 1175dividing the coupler 1100 into first and second halves 1176 and 1177,and generally surrounds at least a portion of the first guiding surface1101.

First locking elements 1150 and 1151 of the releasable spring mechanism1109 are positioned adjacent the first side wall portion 1104. Inaddition, second locking elements 1152 and 1153 are positioned adjacentthe second side wall portion 1105. Third locking elements 1154 and 1155,as well as 1156 and 1157, are positioned adjacent the bottom wallportion 1106. The locking elements 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, 1155,1156, and 1157 are illustrated in this preferred embodiment as threadedscrews. However, other locking elements may also be used, such as pinsor other similar fasteners, without departing from the scope of theinvention.

First springs 1120 and 1121 of the releasable spring mechanism 1109 aregenerally disposed in the second guiding surface 1102 adjacent to thefirst side wall portion 1104 in the spacing 1103. Similarly, secondsprings 1122 and 1123 and third springs 1124 and 1125, as well as 1126and 1127, are positioned adjacent the second side and bottom wallportions 1105 and 1106, respectively. It is not necessary that theentirety of the first, second, or third springs be contained within thespacing 1103. In fact, the entire springs may, but need not, clear thespacing 1103 when in an unlocked position. In a locked position, aportion of the springs may at least partially enter the spacing 1103 topush against a trough member inserted into the spacing 1103. Althoughonly several of the locking elements and springs are described in detailbelow, it should be understood that all of the locking elements 1150,1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, 1155, 1156, and 1157, as well as the springs1120, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, and 1127, have an identicalstructure and function in a similar manner.

As shown with reference to FIG. 45, the first spring 1121 comprises alongitudinal portion 1160 coupled to an arm 1161 with an end 1191. Inthe example embodiment, the arm 1161 extends from the longitudinalportion 1160 at an angle. In one example, an angle greater than 90degrees is defined between the longitudinal portion 1160 and the arm1161. The arm 1161 projects through the spacing 1103 towards the firstside wall portion 1104.

The first spring 1160 further defines an aperture 1165 sized to surroundand allow the first locking element 1151 to pass through the aperture1165. The first locking element 1151 is then inserted into an aperture1163 defined by the second guiding surface 1102. In this configuration,the first locking element 1151 holds the first spring 1121 to thecoupler 1100.

Additional springs of differing shapes can also be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. For example, the spring 1121could be formed so that the arm 1161 is positioned at an angle less than90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal portion 1160. In anotherembodiment, the longitudinal portions 1160 of the first springs 1120 and1121 could be formed so that they are joined, thereby creating a singlespring unit. Other angles and shapes are also possible to provide theresistance to pull out.

Referring now to FIG. 46, a cross-sectional view taken along line H—H ofFIG. 41 is shown. The second guiding surface 1102 defines a firstaperture 1173 and a second aperture 1174 adjacent to the third springs1124 and 1125. The third locking element 1154 is shown threaded into anaperture 1166 formed on the coupler 1100 to hold the spring 1124 inplace. The third locking element 1154 is screwed completely into theaperture 1166 until it causes the longitudinal portion 1160 of thespring 1124 to be held against the coupler 1100. This is the lockedposition.

In the locked position, the arm 1161 of the spring 1124 is pushedtowards the bottom wall portion 1106 of the first guiding surface 1101.In this position, the end 1191 of the spring 1124 is projected towardsthe spacing 1103 to engage a trough member inserted into the spacing1103 (not shown) and to provide a resistive force against pull out. Theend 1191 will engage a trough member inserted into the spacing 1103 andincreases the hold down force as the trough member is pulled in adirection away (e.g. opposite 1190) from the coupler 1100.

The third locking element 1155 is shown, in ghost format, partiallyscrewed into the aperture 1167 to hold the spring 1125 in place. Becausethe locking element 1155, in ghost format, is only partially screwedinto the aperture 1167, the locking element 1155 and the spring 1125 areshown in an unlocked, or released position. In the unlocked position,the locking element 1151 is partially released, thereby releasing thespring 1125 to allow the spring 1125 to retract partially back throughthe second aperture 1174. The other locking elements and springsdisposed on the coupler 1100 function in a manner similar to the lockingelements 1154 and 1155 and the springs 1124 and 1125.

Referring now to FIGS. 47–51, an embodiment of a trough system 1180 isshown including the coupler 1100 as well as first and second troughmembers 1201 and 1202 in accordance with the present invention. Thefirst and second trough members 1201 and 1202 are generally U-shaped andcomprise, respectively, terminal ends 1203 and 1204, first side walls1205 and 1208, second side walls 1206 and 1209, bottom walls 1207 and1210, internal surfaces 1221 and 1222, and external surfaces 1223 and1224. The trough members 1201 and 1202 can also take the form of othersystem components, such as T-fittings, downspouts, or elbows, asdesired.

As illustrated, the terminal ends 1203 and 1204 of the trough members1201 and 1202 may be slidingly engaged in the spacing 1103 between thefirst and second guiding surfaces 1101 and 1102 of the coupler 1100. Inother words, the thickness of the walls of each of the trough members1201 and 1202, or the distance between the inner surfaces 1221 and 1222and the outer surfaces 1223 and 1224, are sized to fit within thespacing 1103 of the coupler 1100. The coupler 1100 overlaps the terminalends of each of the trough members to form the coupling.

Referring now particularly to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 51,taken along line I—I of FIG. 50, the locking elements 1154 and 1155 areshown in the locked position. The end 1191 of the spring 1124 pushesagainst the external wall surface 1223 of the terminal end 1203 of thefirst trough member 1201, urging the internal surface 1221 against thefirst guiding surface 1101 of the coupler 1100. Likewise, with thesecond trough member 1202 placed within the spacing 1103 on the secondcoupler end 1111 of the coupler 1100, the end 1191 of the spring 1125pushes against the external wall surface 1224 of the terminal end 1204of the second trough member 1202, urging the internal surface 1222against the first guiding surface 1101 of the coupler 1100. In thismanner, the terminal ends 1203 and 1204 of the trough members 1201 and1202 are retained within the first and second coupler ends 1110 and 1111of the coupler 1100. The ends 1191 of the springs 1124 and 1125 grip thetrough members 1201 and 1202 and resist pull out of the trough members.The ends 1191 may be formed to engage the trough members and slightlydig into the through members, thereby maintaining a greater hold on thetrough members.

An example method for coupling one or more trough members to the coupler1100 in accordance with the present invention is as follows. The lockingelements 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, 1155, 1156, and 1157 are allpositioned in the locked position, so that the springs 1120, 1121, 1122,1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, and 1127 are all pushed towards the firstguiding surface 1101. The ends 1191 of each spring do not interfere withthe insertion of the trough members 1201 and 1202 due to their angledshape. The angled shape is angled toward the direction of insertion ofthe terminal end of the trough member.

With the locking elements 1150, 1152, 1154, and 1156 in the lockedposition, the terminal end 1203 of the first trough member 1201 is theninserted into the spacing 1103 between the first and second guidingsurfaces 1101 and 1102. The terminal end 1203 is inserted until theterminal end 1203 passes the springs 1120, 1122, 1124, and 1126 andabuts a trough stop 1230 disposed within the spacing 1103. In thisposition, the ends 1191 of the springs 1120, 1122, 1124, and 1126 engagethe external wall surface 1223 of the first trough member 1201, therebypushing the internal wall surface 1222 against the first guiding surface1101 to lock the first trough member 1201 into the coupler 1100. Pullout is resisted by the angled shape of the arms 1161 and the ends 1191.The second trough member 1202 may be coupled to the second coupler end1111 of the coupler 1100 in a similar manner.

An example method for removing the first trough member 1201 inaccordance with the present invention includes at least partiallyunscrewing the locking elements 1150, 1152, 1154, and 1156 to theunlocked position to release the springs 1120, 1122, 1124, and 1126 andthen removing the terminal end 1203 of the first trough member 1201 fromwithin the spacing 1103 of the coupler 1100. The second trough member1202 may be removed in a similar fashion.

The couplers 100 500, and 1100 are presented by way of example only, andother configurations are possible. For example, a coupler may beconfigured to be coupled to more than two trough members, thereforeincluding more than the first and second coupler ends. Further, agreater number of locking elements and/or springs may be presented foreach coupler end, or, alternatively, fewer locking elements and/orsprings, for example, one may be used.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and of the invention. Since manyembodiments of the invention can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claimshereinafter appended.

1. A method for using a coupler including a U-shaped body with first andsecond surfaces including an overlap region therebetween defining aU-shaped spacing, and a first U-shaped fiber trough member, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a terminal end of the first troughmember coupled to the coupler, wherein the terminal end was inserted ina longitudinal direction into the U-shaped spacing defined by thecoupler; sliding a locking element on the coupler parallel to thelongitudinal direction to release a spring from a locking position; andremoving the terminal end of the first trough member from the U-shapedspacing so that the terminal end slides past the spring.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing a terminal end ofa second trough member in a further spacing defined by the coupler on asecond side of the coupler; sliding the locking element in an oppositedirection to release the spring from the locked position relative to thesecond trough member; and removing the terminal end of the second troughmember from the further spacing.
 3. A method for use of a coupler and atrough system including first and second trough members, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a terminal end of the first troughmember coupled to the coupler and a terminal end of the second troughmember coupled to the coupler, wherein the terminal ends were insertedin a longitudinal direction into first and second spacings defined bythe coupler, wherein the first trough member is held to the coupler witha first spring portion, and wherein the second trough member is held tothe coupler with a second spring portion; releasing a locking element torelease the first spring portion to release the terminal end of thefirst trough member without releasing the second spring portion holdingthe terminal end of the second trough member; and removing the terminalend of the first trough member from the first spacing.
 4. A method foruse of a coupler and a trough system including first and second troughmembers, the method comprising the steps of: providing a terminal end ofthe first trough member coupled to the coupler and a terminal end of thesecond trough member coupled to the coupler, wherein the terminal endswere inserted in a longitudinal direction into first and second spacingsdefined by the coupler; releasing a plurality of first locking elementson the coupler in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection to release a plurality of first springs from a lockingposition to release the terminal end of the first trough member withoutreleasing a plurality of second springs holding the terminal end of thesecond trough member; and removing the terminal end of the first troughmember from the first spacing so that the terminal end of the firsttrough member slides past the first plurality of springs.
 5. The methodof claim 4, further comprising the steps of: releasing a plurality ofsecond locking elements on the coupler in a direction perpendicular tothe longitudinal direction to release the plurality of second springsfrom a locking position to release the terminal end of the second troughmember; and removing the terminal end of the second trough member fromthe second spacing so that the terminal end slides past the secondplurality of springs.